Now EdTechs on radar of Consumer Affairs Ministry

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Consumer Affairs said on Friday that it has called for a meeting of all the stakeholders next week to discuss EdTech apps that may potentially be misleading the consumers, especially the student community, and putting pressure on the parents.

"We are conscious of this (issue). Next week, the whole group is coming to us (for a meeting). We are very wary how the EdTech is unfolding and things like WhiteHat Junior, something is not right about it. We need to step in," said Rohit Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

He was responding to a question about apps that promote 'Double Teachers' Advantage' during a media briefing on the latest guidelines for misleading advertisements.

"Just as we took cognizance of services such as Ola or Uber and restaurants and fake reviews etc., we need to protect the young consumers, the children, the teenagers who are preparing for IIT entrance etc., or even civil services," he said.

"Hopefully, during the consultation, we will come up with a framework so that they don't put pressure on children," he added.

Kumar was addressing the media in connection with the Central Consumer Protection Authority (Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Necessary Due Diligence for Endorsement of Advertisements) Guidelines, 2022 issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) late on Thursday night, effective from Friday.

These guidelines have several Dos and Don'ts for advertisements that are specifically targeting children.

Earlier, the Consumer Affairs Ministry had issued notices to Ola/Uber services and also restaurants in connection with service charges. (IANS)

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